The Rule of Six – Let’s Go Outside!

In a few days time we’ll be able to meet with up to five friends, outside, for a loooong overdue get together. This calls for something more special than a bag of crisps and a warm white wine. It’s been so long since we’ve seen our friends, we need to treat this brave new world with the respect it deserves. This means some little luxuries, because we are worth it.

Firstly, what to drink? The world of portable drinks has been moving on apace of late. Remember when we thought that wine with a screw top bottle would never catch on? Well now the latest innovation is wine in a can. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. Kiss of Wine have launched a range of eight single-varietal canned wines from small-batch independent winemakers, including two Italian reds from the renowned Piedmont region. These are your perfect picnic friend and also really handy to keep at home if you fancy a glass but don’t want to open a whole bottle.  The full range of wines is available at kissofwine.co.uk  for the equivalent of £9.84 per bottle – delivered direct to your door.

Portobello Road Gin needs no introductions, but did you know you can buy it pre-mixed in cans? Handy. Just pack a bag of ice in your cool-bag and pre-slice some lime, and you’ll be very popular. Available here. £2.50 per can.

If you run out of drink, or it’s a last minute decision to meet up, The Drop is a brilliant artisan wine delivery service app that can deliver within the hour in London. Yes, you read that right. Your wine (and ice if you want it) will be dropped off, along with nibbles (always a good idea). Best thing is they will deliver directly to you in the park. Couldn’t be more simple.  They have also just launched a new 1-hour picnic delivery service for all your alfresco dining needs. Not only are you a couple of clicks away from having artisan wines delivered but Drop now can deliver a curated picnic box with quality nibbles, to any London park, house or garden within the hour via their easy to use app. They also offer next day delivery across the UK.    Download the app.

For those of you who don’t want to drink alcohol, Dry Drinker has over 200 products in its offering including 100 beers and 60 wines and sparkling wines. Placing an order is a simple process with delivery arriving the next day if the order is placed before 4pm. For first time customers a 10% discount can be applied to the order. drydrinker.com

Now to the food. To really show off, order a hamper. Provisions has a range of hampers, each offering an expertly selected range of some of Europe’s hidden gems. There is a gift for every budget and palate, with hampers ranging in price from £30 to £100, each including an array of exceptional wines, cheeses, cured meats, tinned goods and biscuits.  Take a look here.

Le Deli Robuchon is offering the perfect picnic treat, with Green Park, St James Park and Hyde Park all extremely close. As all hampers are bespoke, guests can choose anything from the menu via calling or in store, and collect from Le Deli, or have them delivered. Choose from a delicious selection of salads, meats, pastries and much more. Prices vary according to how hungry you are. For more information, visit Le Deli’s website here.

Petite Folie has expanded its delivery menu to include both savoury and sweet creations – offering Londoners a mixture of traditional French dishes and desserts for all occasions.  Throughout lockdown, FOLIE’s Head Pastry Chef Valérie Morton and Executive Head Chef Christophe Marleix have been busy developing a new menu expertly designed for delivery, boasting an array of indulgent delights using seasonal, often locally sourced ingredients. New savoury dishes include a ​Croque-Monsieur with truffle ​or with ​Chicken & Basil​, FOLIE’s Focaccia​ and a ​Lorraine​ or ​Vegetable​ ​Quiche for one or six. folie.london

We’ll see you in the park!